The PTE exam is a language proficiency exam, which is used by a number of higher learning institutions and immigration authorities to determine whether or not a candidate has the necessary language requirements to survive in an English-speaking environment. The test is a relatively new addition to the growing number of language proficiency tests being offered in Singapore, and it's fast on its way to becoming one of the most popular.
Those considering taking the PTE Academic exam usually have many decisions to make, regarding their test. There are quite a number of factors to consider, like which test to take, how to prepare and who should you book your test with. If the cost of the exam is one of those issues you are concerned about, then read on to find out everything you need to know about PTE Academic exam fees.
In this article we will take a detailed look at:
What Is The Cost Of Booking The PTE Academic Exam?
The fee for the exam roughly ranges from between 150 USD to 210 USD. However, fees do vary according to country and even test centres. This is mainly because provincial government taxes may vary by location. The standard fee in Singapore is around 250 USD.
There are two types of booking fees. If you book your test before 48 hours of your scheduled test date, then you are only required to pay the standard PTE Academic exam fee. However, if you leave your registration to the last minute, and book within a 48-hour window of your test date, then you would have to pay the higher PTE Late Booking price.
For example in Singapore, the standard PTE Academic exam fee is around $250. If a candidate books their PTE exam within 48 hours of their actual test date, then they have to pay a price of $ 312.50.
What Are The Fees For The Other Types Of PTE Exams?
Apart from PTE Academic, there are two other types of PTE language exams.
a. PTE General
The General Pearson test of English (formerly known as the London Test of English) assesses second language learners’ basic communication skills. It can be used as a proof of your English language skills for both work or study purposes. However, this test is generally accepted by Non-English-speaking European countries like Latvia, Greece or Lithuania. Most often, candidates use this test as a way to personally judge the levels of English language proficiency. They do so to get a better understanding of where to start in order to improve their language skills.
This test is less popular than its counterpart and is only offered 3 times a year in the months of May, June, and December. It consists of two parts: a written paper and interview styled speaking test which integrates reading, writing, speaking and listening skills as well. The test contains six different proficiency levels.
The fees for this test depend greatly on the test center in which you take the test. Generally you can expect to pay 50 USD for the lowest level (A1) and 100 USD for the highest level (Level 5 – C2). Your obtained score also comes with a lifetime validity.
b. PTE UKVI
The UKVI PTE exam is only for those test takers who are applying to the United Kingdom for visa and immigration purposes. 'PTE for UKVI' is a UK government-approved Secure English Language Test (SELT). This means that PTE can be used to prove your English language abilities in support of UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) applications.
The content, examiners, format, the level of difficulty, scoring, are exactly the same as the regular PTE Academic test.
The UKVI PTE Exam (UK Visas and Immigration) has a slightly higher fee, costing up to 50 US dollars more than the regular PTE exam. The reason for the higher price has nothing to do with the level of difficulty of the test. The difference in price is because of the extra administrative procedures and security measures that need to be taken for the exam.
Are There Any Other Hidden PTE Academic Fees?
There are only a few additional charges that you might incur regarding the PTE Academic Exam:
a. Rescheduling Fees
If you are planning to change your test date, then you can request a test date change at least 7 days before your original test date. This ensures that you only pay 25 per cent of the new test’s booking fee.
However, if you reschedule your test within 7 days of your original test date, you will have to pay the full booking fee. There will be no reduction in price in this instance.
b. Additional Test Reports
The PTE Exam allows candidates to send their score reports to as many institutions as they want to, for no extra cost. This is a feature which no other language proficiency test offers at the moment.
c. PTE Cancellation Fees
Test takers who decide to cancel their PTE Academic test 7 days before their scheduled test date, will receive a refund of 50 % of their booking fee. However, if you cancel your test within 7 days you will forfeit this refund.
Pearson might offer a partial or full refund if there is a genuine reason for either rescheduling or cancellation within 7 days of your scheduled test date. You would need to make a formal request to Pearson Customer Care and specify the reasons behinds your decision. Please note that there is a slim chance of actually getting a full refund.
d. Rechecking Fees
If you are not satisfied with the scores you have received, you can request a rescore or recheck of your test. The reading and listening module questions all have fixed and specific answers. It is highly unlikely that the computer algorithm used to check these components would have made an error when checking this part of the exam. For this reason only the speaking and writing module can be sent for rechecking.
Rechecking can be done for a small additional fee. You only need to make a request to the Pearson Customer service, within 14 days of obtaining your score. They will also let you know about the fee for such a request. It generally costs around 100 USD dollars. If your overall score does end up improving, you will receive a full refund. Please do note that it is very unlikely that you will see a drastic change in your score. The test is graded by a computer, and even rechecking is done by the same computer algorithm. There is also a possibility that your scores might be lower than they were previously.
e. Personal Detail Amendments
When you book the PTE exam, you will be required to enter a number of personal details including your passport number. Your personal details must match the information that is present on your current passport and identity document. If you make an error while entering your personal details, you can correct or change them (except for your date of birth) before 24 hours of your scheduled test date. You need to simply need to login in to the Pearsons PTE website using the same login credentials you used to register for the exam.
In order to make any other changes to your date of birth, a request has to be made to Pearson's Customer service department. You will be emailed a corresponding form, which needs to be filled in with the correct details and information. You will also be required to pay a small processing fee. Such a request takes around 3 – 5 working days to process and candidates will not be able to make a personal detail amendment request within 24 hours of their scheduled test date.
If, for any reason, your passport or identification number does not match the number used during the registration process, you will not be able to sit for exam, and you will also not be reimbursed for any fees paid.
How Can You Pay For The PTE Exam?
You can easily pay for the PTE Exam online using a debit or credit card on the official PTE website or you can pay in person at any Pearsons PTE Test center. The online booking procedure can be found on the PTE website.
If you are using the online registration facilities, it’s important to make sure you receive a confirmation email, that gives you a booking payment update and provides information about your test date and test location.
Another important bit of information to note, is that your payment should be in the same currency mentioned on the PTE website. For example, if you are requested to pay in Singapore Dollars instead of US dollars, and you use US Dollars, your payment will not be processed.
Payment can be easily made online using the following credit or debit card.
No other forms of payment are currently accepted. Once your payment has been made. Candidates will receive an acknowledgement receipt and a confirmation email. Your confirmation email will include confirmation of your booking and payment.
What are PTE Vouchers?
Pearsons have made the PTE Academic exam more cost effective, by introducing PTE vouchers. The vouchers are unique addition to language test payment procedures and are not offered by any other language exams at the moment.
They usually allow you to register for the PTE Academic exam at a cost that is much lower than the standard price.
These vouchers are usually available through registered Pearson PTE partner institutions (institutions which offer paid PTE coaching). They also include a number of added bonuses such as free practice tests and resource materials.
To utilize these vouchers, you simply have to enter your voucher code when registering for the exam, in the box that states ‘apply voucher code’
How Much Do I Have To Pay For Taking The Test For The Second Time?
Unfortunately, candidates have to pay separately, and in full, for each time they take the PTE Academic test. However, the good news is there is no limit to the number of times a student can take the test. The registration process is the same regardless of whether you have taken the exam before or not, which means that the test fees will be exactly the same as well.
Although you can take the test multiple times in order to get the score you need, paying separately each time can be quite costly. Instead of wasting your valuable and hard-earned money, it would be better to use this retest as an opportunity to learn from your mistakes. Try to improve your preparation for the next time you take the test, especially in the test section you scored most poorly in.
Take a good and honest look at your previous preparation methods and schedule to determine how you can improve upon these areas. Make sure that you give yourself sufficient time to really well prepare and improve your English language skills and abilities.
An Important Piece Of Information Before You Book The Pearson PTE Academic Exam
Since the PTE Exam comes with a hefty price tag, it’s definitely worthwhile to make sure that you are well-prepared before you actually take the exam. Remember that you have to pay separately for each time you attempt the test.
Enrolling for a course with an experienced PTE trainer can help determine whether or not you are sufficiently prepared for the PTE exam.